Factual Specials

Mermaids: The Body Found

In 2004, when marine biologist Dr Brian McCormick stumbled across a recording of mysterious underwater sounds, he launched a scientific investigation to uncover the creature responsible. In search of conclusive proof, he and his research team are called out to an unusual whale stranding in South Africa. Here they find the part-digested remains of an animal none of them can identify. As each of its body parts is autopsied, they provide new pieces of the puzzle. As the picture builds, McCormick is drawn to an astonishing conclusion: this new marine creature is related to humans.

This two-hour hoax documentary special combines beautiful CGI animation, real natural history context, a thrilling contemporary conspiracy theory and a race against time to unveil an ancient secret before it’s too late.